Larry Kudlow would certainly be Great for Wall Street

He may not have Cohn’s outsized, aggressive personality yet administration officials who think they will be able to walk over Kudlow are in for a big surprise. He can make the arguments for the benefits of free along with also also fair trade better than almost anyone along with also also he will be formidable in front of the president in showdowns with Navarro along with also also Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who both favor more aggressive protectionism.

The main reason Trump wants Kudlow is actually which he is actually Great on TV. Trump regularly complains which he does not have enough talented communicators defending him on television, which is actually the primary way the president relates to the outside world.

Television skill is actually an important role for an NEC director who has to sell the public on the president’s policies along with also also their impact on the economy. yet which’s not all the likely next NEC director brings to the table.

He’s also got strong relationships with both Republicans along with also also Democrats on Capitol Hill which could come in handy in future budget talks or legislative efforts on immigration along with also also infrastructure. Kudlow’s friend along with also also fellow outside Trump adviser Stephen Moore told me those relationships are among Kudlow’s top qualities.

“He brings a couple big assets to the table,” he said. “One, he is actually a great communicator of economics, one of the best inside the country, especially for the free-market ideas which Trump is actually mostly espousing. along with also also two, Larry has truly great relationships with members of Congress, certainly on the Republican side yet also among Democrats who may disagree with him yet like him. He doesn’t truly have any enemies.”

Nothing is actually ever done until Trump makes an announcement. yet Kudlow seems as close to a lock for the NEC job as which’s possible to get in Trump World. along with also also the formal announcement should at least give a mild bump to stocks even as investors worry about chaos elsewhere inside the administration including the abrupt firing of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson along with also also the ouster of Trump personal aide Johnny McEntee, reportedly the subject of a financial investigation.

Trump’s White House will always feature plenty of reality show drama. yet at least inside the economic realm, he appears set to name someone respected by investors along with also also likely to continue to carry the banner of free trade in an administration tilting of late to mercantilism.

—Ben White is actually Politico’s chief economic correspondent along with also also a CNBC contributor. He also authors the daily tip sheet Politico Morning Money [politico.com/morningmoney]. Follow him on Twitter @morningmoneyben.